They
were
"called" to this occupation and have had a long training period
that includes an apprenticeship.56

Their
fees are usually substantial.26, 56

They
are very well
respected in the community, and often the richest persons in a
rural Haitian community.56

Voodoo
practitioners can make a diagnosis by using cards, shells, or trances.26

Treatment
by voodoo practitioners usually consists of dancing, incantations, herbal preparations,
prayer, and calling on the loa.26,32,52

Depending
on the
disease, it may need to be treated by a voodoo practitioner
only; or there could be a choice between a voodoo practitioner or
a biomedical
practitioner. Seizure and psychiatric disorders would be
examples of problems that would only be treated by a houngan
or mambo.26

It is not
uncommon for American Haitians to seek the help of these
practitioners even if it means going back to Haiti.37,58

Voodoo
practitioners treat
from a holistic perspective.52

Herbalists
(docte fey)

These
are the most common traditional healers in Haiti.26, 35

They
have no formal
training.56

Herbalists
are sought for common illnesses such as colds,
fevers, and diarrhea.26

They
are also skilled in treating the supernatural illness called
evil eye (Maldyok). This illness is caused by someone looking at your
infant with envy.26, 56

Charges
by herbalists vary depending on the severity of the illness.56

Herbalists
treat from a
holistic perspective.52

Midwives (matron)

These
traditional midwives deliver most of
the infants, especially in rural Haiti, as well as provide any
needed prenatal care.26, 56

The
midwives also supervise the
postpartum seclusion period.26, 56

All services
provided by the midwives are covered by a preestablished fee.56